The most anticipated culinary event in the region, Devour Culinary Classic brings together the culinary and beverage leaders that are establishing Arizona as a sought-after destination. An annually award-winning event, the Devour Culinary Classic has been named Best Southwestern Culinary Festival by the New York Times, Best Food Festival by Phoenix Magazine, Best Culinary Festival from the Phoenix New Times, and Best Food Event from azcentral.
After being hosted at the Phoenix Art Museum for the past eight years, the Devour Culinary Classic will be held at Desert Botanical Garden (DBG) March 3-4, 2018. Desert Botanical Garden is pleased to be bringing the Devour Culinary Classic to their space, as the event fits in closely with their mission. “Just like all the participants in the Devour Culinary Classic, the Garden is proud to fly the ‘locally grown’ flag,” says Desert Botanical Garden Executive Director Ken Schutz. “We look forward to hosting the event in 2018.”
As in years past, the Devour Culinary Classic will continue to be one of the state’s most collaborative and creative food-centered events. Unlike other food festivals, the Devour Culinary Classic intentionally focuses on local talent. “Our main objective is to support the development and promotion of the culinary and extended local food community and culture in Arizona, bringing deserved local and national attention to our state’s food scene,” said Kimber Lanning, founder of the event and Executive Director of Local First Arizona. “We believe we’ll be even better suited to showcase Arizona’s one-of-a-kind culinary culture with Desert Botanical Garden as our host.”
EVENT DETAILS
The 2018 Devour Culinary Classic promises to present the very best that Arizona’s culinary scene has to offer with even more opportunities to connect with Arizona’s local culinary culture. 100 percent of all proceeds from the annual Devour Culinary Classic benefit the community efforts of Local First Arizona, the Desert Botanical Garden, and Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance.
Details
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Date: Saturday, March 3, and Sunday, March 4, 2018
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Time: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Media/Connoisseur/VIP Hour: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
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Location: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Talent
The 2018 Devour Culinary Classic is bringing together dozens of the largest names in local culinary talent and achievement. Current confirmed guests of note include:
VIP LOUNGE
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John Sharpe, Turquoise Room
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Robert McGrath, Roaring Fork and Renegade Canteen
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Ryan Swanson, Kai Restaurant
ALL TALENT (CONFIRMED AS OF AUGUST 31, 2017)
- Charleen Badman, FnB
- Justin Beckett, Beckett’s Table & Southern Rail
- Nick Campisano and Joshua James, Clever Koi
- Cullen Campbell, Crudo
- Aaron Chamberlin, St. Francis & Phoenix Public Market Cafe
- Carlos Diaz, Otro Cafe
- Taylor Domet, True Food Kitchen
- Silvana Salcido Esparza, Barrio Cafe
- Scott Holmes, Little Miss BBQ
- Stephen Jones, the larder + the delta
- Bernie Kantak, The Gladly & Citizen Public House
- Danielle Leoni, The Breadfruit & Rum Bar
- Kat and Brad Moore, Short Leash Hot Dogs
- Dana Mule, Hula’s Modern Tiki
- Chrysa Robertson, Rancho Pinot
- Doug Robson, Gallo Blanco
- Joe and Dara Rodger, Shift FLG
- Guido Saccone, Cibo Pizzeria
- Suny Santana, Taco Chelo
- Jeff Smedstad, Elote Cafe
- Tamara Stanger, Helio Basin Brewing Co. (Winner of last year’s Devour Excellence Award)
- Bob Tam, Bitter & Twisted
- Justin Woodard, The Vig
- Miguel Yeo, The Parlor Pizzeria
- Plus others that have yet to be confirmed
A continuously updated list of confirmed talent can be found at https://classic.devourphoenix.
